Never before in its six year history had the Clericus Cup gone to the seminarians and priests of Rome's North American College ... until now. John Gibson, Striker, North American "Martyrs": We’ve been working hard for the past five of six years here to get to the Clericus Cup Final. We’ve been close to winning it a couple of times but never have and it’s finally good to finally win it. Nick Nelson, Captain, North American "Martyrs": This is my third year. We got to the final my first year, but the other team was too strong. And then last year we didn't make it. So, it takes a lot of effort. We trained twice a week, first semester and second semester. We were practicing and staying in shape. So, the guys give a lot and sacrifice a lot for the team, in order to get this far. We're definitely very grateful to God and proud of what we were able to do this year. The Clericus Cup gathers seminarians and priests from pontifical colleges across Rome together for the once-a-year tournament. This year's final pitted the North American "Martyrs" - named for Jesuits who died evangelizing the new world - against the squad from the Jesuit's own Pontificial Gregorian University. The final score of 3-0 left the players and their fans more than content. Msgr. James Checchio, Rector, North American College: “Primarily, it's a lot of fun for the college. It's great for the fans who come out in great number just to watch and enjoy the game. ... For the players, it's a great recreation for them too of course, but for them it's also a great exercise in fraternity and working together and collaborating together and having a lot of fun in the meantime. ... We have a great team. We have great men. They've practiced hard and worked hard, but more than that obviously is that they are men in love with the Lord and his Church turning their hearts over to be more like the good shepherds each day, who want to lay down their lives in service of him.